Scientists have discovered the first new antibiotic in nearly 30 years that can kill serious infections without encountering any detectable resistance, giving hope in the fight against evolving drug-resistant superbugs.

The antibiotic teixobactin has been found to treat many common bacterial infections in mice without resistance, including tuberculosis and septicaemia.

Researchers said the antibiotic could one day be used to treat drug-resistant infections caused by the superbug MRSA, as well as tuberculosis, which normally requires a combination of drugs that can have adverse side effects.

"The discovery of this novel compound challenges long-held scientific beliefs and holds great promise for treating an array of menacing infections," said Professor Kim Lewis from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Teixobactin belongs to a new class of compounds and kills bacteria by causing their cell walls to break down.

It seems to work by binding to multiple targets, which may slow down the development of resistance.

The problem of infections developing drug resistance has worsened in recent years as multi-drug-resistant bugs have developed and drug companies have cut investment.

The World Health Organisation warned last year that a post-antibiotic era, where even basic healthcare becomes dangerous due to risk of infection during routine operations, could come this century unless something drastic is done.

Dr Lewis is the co-founder of the NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals, which has patented teixobactin.